Return to search

Deconstructing and restoring photography as an embodiment of memory

This dissertation considers whether photography as a language translates
a transient moment into an embodied image. This is considered to be a
mimesis of the moment as an aid for memory. By following a dialectic
approach I posit a thesis based on the common sense perception of
photography which states that photography is an artefactual mimesis
aiding memory. After reflecting on Plato’s concept of writing as a
pharmakon and Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction theory I establish an
antithesis which proclaims that a photograph aids memory but also leads
to the illusion of remembering past experiences. The synthesis is then
presented which resolves the opposing ideas. This component argues that
a photograph is a mimetic device that aids memory by presenting
embodied fragmented reflections of time which can be used to create new
meanings and memories. The dissertation concludes with a discussion
that supports and integrates this argument with visual research. / Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology / M.A. (Visual Arts)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/2774
Date11 1900
CreatorsNaude, Irene
ContributorsPotgieter, F. J. (Frederik Johannes)
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (v, 93 leaves)

Page generated in 0.0025 seconds